There can be immediate administrative penalties for a DUI charge prior to any criminal hearing. Your drivers’ license can be suspended for 120 days for a first DUI charge or for two years for any subsequent DUI charge. You must request a hearing within 10 days from being cited with DUI to have a chance to have a hearing to keep your license.

Having an attorney that understands the DUI field sobriety tests and the limitations of police stops is key to your defense.

Did the officer have a valid reason to stop you?

Did the officer detain you beyond the scope of the initial stop?

Was a portable breath test done before any field sobriety tests?

Did the officer properly instruct you on how to do the field sobriety tests or check for qualifying physical impairments?

Did the field sobriety tests get taken under appropriate conditions?

Was the breathalyzer test properly administered?

These are only a few of many critically important questions to ask in this technical area of criminal defense.